Cook Up More with a 12 Inch Deep Microwave

For many home cooks, one of the most used and beloved appliances in the kitchen is the microwave oven. These speedy devices make reheating leftovers, cooking frozen foods, and preparing snacks an absolute breeze. However, microwaves with limited capacity can be a hassle when cooking for more than one or two people. That's where 12 inch deep microwave ovens come in to save the day.

With their extra interior depth, 12 inch deep microwaves unlock much greater cooking capacity than standard shallower models. Read on to learn all about the benefits of going bigger with a 12 inch microwave.

Bigger Capacity for Increased Cooking

The main appeal of 12 inch deep microwaves is the additional cubic feet of interior capacity compared to traditional microwaves. While standard models may have just 1.0 or 1.2 cubic feet of space, many 12 inch microwaves boast 1.5, 1.6 or even a full 2.0 cubic feet of room.

That size upgrade allows you to cook significantly larger portions and dishes. You'll have plenty of space to microwave an entire casserole in a 9x13 pan or fit a full platter to reheat. No more trying to cram a huge dish onto a tiny turntable.

Fit Bigger Plates and Dishes with Ease

Ever tried microwaving a dinner plate only to find it barely fits at an odd angle? The 12 inch cavity width of these deeper microwaves provides ample room for full-sized, 11 inch plates to reheat evenly. No more balancing acts trying to squeeze plates on the carousel and rotate them mid-cooking.

You'll also delight in the ability to easily fit casserole dishes, round cake pans, loaf pans, sheet trays, and other larger bakeware into a 12 inch microwave. Say goodbye to tricky maneuvers just to heat up leftovers.

Cook Entire Meals for the Whole Family

With the substantial capacity upgrade, 12 inch microwaves allow busy home cooks to prepare complete meals for the entire family all at once. You can comfortably fit a 9x13 casserole dish along with side dishes on plates or in bowls.

This convenience helps you cut down on the need to cook components of meals in multiple batches. No waiting around for half the food to finish while the rest gets cold.

Bigger families and groups will appreciate being able to microwave hearty portions of soups, stews, casseroles, lasagnas, and more all in one go. Mealtime is a breeze with a 12 inch deep microwave simplifying the cooking process.

Compatibility Considerations for Installation

While the benefits seem clear, there are a few compatibility factors to keep in mind when bringing home a 12 inch microwave.

Measuring Standard Cabinet Dimensions

Since most standard kitchen cabinets have depths around just 10 to 10.5 inches, installing a 12 inch microwave into existing cabinetry often requires some modifications. Solutions include removing cabinet doors, replacing shelving with smaller racks, or adjusting the placement of fixed interior shelves.

Allowing Ventilation Space Above

Proper ventilation is crucial for over-the-range and built-in installation of any microwave. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for the clearance needed above the unit. Generally 3-6 inches of space is recommended to allow airflow and prevent overheating.

Key Features to Seek Out

Once you've weighed your space considerations, it's time to evaluate which performance features best suit your cooking needs. Here are some to look for in your 12 inch microwave.

Convection Cooking

Many larger microwaves now offer a convection cooking mode that uses a heating element and fan to circulate hot air. The convection feature allows you to bake and roast food right in the microwave for added versatility.

Adjustable Shelves

Models with adjustable or removable shelving provide greater flexibility. You can customize the configuration to fit tall dishes and plates.

One-Touch Sensor Cooking

Microwaves with sensor cooking take the guesswork out of heating times. Just tap a button like "reheat" or "potato" and built-in sensors will detect food type and portion size to automatically adjust cook times.

With their substantial internal dimensions and cooking capacity, 12 inch deep microwaves truly unlock more potential in the kitchen. From reheating large platters to steaming full pots of vegetables with ease, the extra depth makes meal prep a breeze.

Just be sure to measure your existing cabinet space first, and look for microwaves with convenient features to complement your cooking habits. With the right 12 inch model, you'll wonder how you ever lived without it!